Category: News
Ward Councillor’s Update
UPDATE FROM YOUR VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCILLOR
It’s been a very busy time in the Wenvoe Community since my last update.
The Village Hall celebrated the 100th Birthday, with a fantastic evening of entertainment, hosted by Wenvoe’s very own Johnny Tudor, at the Village Hall. A good night was had by all.
It has now been confirmed that the VOG will be planting a number of shrubs and plants along the edge of the Grange play area.
I am in discussions with the VOG highways department with regards to removing the foot bridge on Port Road and replacing it with a pedestrian crossing, instead of the pedestrian crossing planned for opposite the Walston Castle. I will provide updates as this progresses.
I have raised concerns about the speed limit on St Lythans Road.
I attended the Remembrance Ceremony at the Village cenotaph; what a fantastic turnout there was from our Wenvoe Community.
Finally, if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss with regards to our community, my contact details are:
Email: regodfrey@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Tel: 07927 588924.
The next WARD COUNCILLOR SURGERY will be on Saturday 10th December. Refreshments will be provided.
Councillor Russell Godfrey
No Scout Post Again This Year
SCOUT CHRISTMAS POST AND WENVOE SCOUTS
We are sad to notify you that there will be no Scout Post again this year. Work is still progressing to try and restart it for next year. However, it is a major project and requires all parts of Cardiff and Vale Scouts to be in a position to collect, sort and deliver the cards.
Wenvoe Scouts has been going from strength to strength since the restrictions of the pandemic have been lifted. We now have 3 very active sections – Beavers (6-8 yrs), Cubs (8-10 ½ yrs) and Scouts (10 ½-14 yrs).
You may have seen our young people and leaders taking part in the Wenvoe Remembrance Sunday Parade. They were well turned out and organised. I was very proud of them all.
Scouts is a world wide movement for boys and girls. It enables them to make new friends and have amazing adventures while learning new skills and having fun. The younger ones do lots of craft and play games helping prepare them for more adventurous activities including hiking, camping, climbing, abseiling and swimming. They develop dreams which may take them into a future of work and play or just into the District Explorers (14-18 yrs) and Network (18-25 yrs) or on to the role of a Scout Leader.
Some areas are now starting Squirrels for the 4-6 year olds and we have dreams of that too, but need
extra help before we can expand. All leaders are trained and we take safety seriously. If you or anyone you know would like to help by becoming a leader, please contact me.
Big dreams cost money and require volunteer leaders to organise weekly meeting, outings and camps and ensure that the young people are safe while they have fun. We do need additional equipment. Some of this is expensive. If, in lieu of buying stamps you would like to donate to Wenvoe Scouts you can do this via https://www. justgiving.com/firstwenvoescouts.
To add a child to our waiting list please email 1stwenvoe.join@penarthanddistrict.or.uk with the name and DOB of child
We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
Thank you,
Jane Fenton-May, Chair Wenvoe Scout Group
jfm@fenton-may.org
November2022 News Update
November2022 News Update
November is often said to be a solemn month. It is certainly a month we remember those who have died in the two world wars, as well as our loved ones who we see no more. So, yes, in so many ways, it is a solemn month, and this has been reflected in our services in church during the month.
Our service of Calm and Reflection on the evening of all Souls Day was a very emotional one for those who had lost a family member during the COVID pandemic, as well as other reasons. The church was in semi-darkness, using the varied settings of our new lighting system. Candles were lit in memory of those whose names had been submitted. These were duly called out. Readings, prayers and singing, accompanied by the skilful playing of our organist, provided a balm for any troubled soul.
Then came Bonfire Night, a noisy celebration of an event long remembered in our nation’s history with the old mantra “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot” as told on the front cover of last month’s edition of “What’s On”. This is not an event the church remembers, but during the 17th century the day was marked as a “Deliverance of The King’s Majesty from his enemies” in churches throughout the land.
Armistice Day on the 11th of the month, was marked at 11 o’clock with a short service at the War Memorial, with the top classes from Wenvoe School in attendance. The men from Wenvoe who served in WWI and did not return, were remembered by the names read from the carved inscription on the towering stone taken from the Alps Quarry over 100 years ago.
Remembrance Sunday, in line with similar ceremonies throughout the country, was marked with a service in church, after a break of three years due to COVID. The church was very full, and together with a large contingent of Scouts and Beavers, tributes were offered to all the members of the armed services who fell in battle during WWI and WWII. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth was also in our thoughts for her sense of duty as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for over 70 years, together with the thousands of civilian casualties who are so often overlooked in this national commemoration. A collection was taken to further the work of the Royal British Legion as they continue to look after the survivors of all the wars that have taken place over the years since.
Following the church service, the congregation led by the Choir and Scouts assembled at the Village War Memorial for the formal Act of Remembrance, the Silence and the Laying of Wreaths. Many more people were there and together the solemn nature echoed the ceremony which was taking place at Whitehall at the Cenotaph in the presence of King Charles and other members of the Royal Family. Refreshments served in the Church Hall after the dismissal were very welcome thanks to the ladies of the Social Committee.
At the end of the month a session of Messy Church was held in the Church Hall. It was good to see families getting together with craft work and activities based on the season of Advent; and yes, if they did get their hands dirty, it was all good fun. Vicar Lyndon held a short service in church and then they all had a tea party in the church hall. A good turn out and very happy faces as they returned home.
The November Chattery was noisy being full of chat, mince pies and mini stollen on offer plus of course the FREE raffle with excellent prizes. This monthly gathering is open to all for the low cost of £2.00 with plenty of coffee/tea refills if needed. The next date will be on the 8th December at 10.30am.
The Community Carol Service will be on December 14th at 7.00pm, when members of our local organisation have been invited to take part. The service will be following the Nine Lessons and Carols made popular by the TV broadcasts from Kings College in Cambridge. A collection will be taken to support the work of Ty Hafan hospice for children at Sully. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the Church Hall. The St. Lythan’s Carol Service will be on December 11th at 3.00pm.
The Advent Windows is set to go live on December 1st and windows will be lit up to bring light into the darkness at this time of the year. We are surrounded by much doom and gloom in the country as well as here in Wenvoe. There is much talk in the press and on TV that this year due to the high cost of energy, many will not be able to afford the running costs, and this includes the civic displays in many towns and cities. So, here we are showing to all that we will be seeing all manner of displays and ideas, that bring joy and happiness through the medium of light. So well done everyone for joining in and thanks to Jude Billingham for organising. The last “Window” will be at St. Mary’s Church at 5.00pm on Christmas Eve followed by an All Age Service in the church, which will be warm and full of light. See you there in great numbers. A collection will be taken for Ty Hafan, the children’s hospice in Sully.
As you will read elsewhere in What’s On, our Christmas Services are taking a different pattern to that of previous years. The midnight celebration of the Eucharist has been brought forward to 7.00pm so that the more elderly among us, can attend together with those who have felt in past years that the later timing is not for them. Please support us at this earlier time to hear and sing the True Story of the Saviour’s Birth at Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. Unlike the baby Jesus whose parents Mary and Joseph could find no room at the Inn, there will be room for you in St. Mary’s. On Christmas Day the only service will be at St. Lythan’s Church at 9.30am with a celebration of the Eucharist with carols.
All that remains is to wish you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas.
Parry Edwards
Advent Windows 2022 Schedule
ADVENT WINDOWS 2022
A St. Mary’s Church Initiative for the Whole Community
Come and view the Wenvoe Advent Windows. They begin on 1st December at 29 Vennwood Close, and conclude on Christmas Eve at St. Mary’s Church, Wenvoe. All the windows will be numbered and can be viewed from outside the property. Most are within walking distance, however, you may choose to use transport on 10th and 11th December. If walking, you may need a torch for the uneven roads leading to 11th and 23rd December. After dark you will also need a torch to view the story on 1st December (1b). The map gives details of where each window is situated. Additional maps are available in the Church porch, in the Wenvoe Arms and Springfield Stores. We hope you enjoy the windows that will be lit between 5.00pm and 9.00pm each evening. We are very grateful to all those who have decorated their windows and for inviting us to view them.
Location of Displays
| 1st Dec (a) 29 Vennwood Close
1st Dec (b) Telephone Box 5.30pm2nd Dec(a) Wenvoe Arms2nd Dec(b) 6 Springfield Close 5.30pm3rd Dec 16 Vennwood Close 4th Dec 12 Walston Road 5th Dec 8 Wenvoe Close 6th Dec Springfield Stores 7th Dec Gwenvo School |
8th Dec 9 Walston Road
9th Dec 15 Old Port Road 10th Dec 38 Burdons Close 11th Dec 4 Station Terrace 12th Dec 52 Walston Road 13th Dec 61 Walston Road 14th Dec 22 Old Port Road 15th Dec 40 Walston Road 16th Dec 11 Clos Llanfair |
17th Dec Wenvoe Hub/Library
18th Dec 24 Old Port Road 19th Dec 73 Walston Road 20th Dec 13 Gwenfo Drive 21st Dec Pine Trees, Walston Rd 22nd Dec 15 Grange Close 23rd Dec 5 Church Rise 24th Dec St. Mary’s Church. |
Merry Christmas from the ‘What’s On’ Team
Church Christmas Services
Sunday 11th December – Advent 3
3.00pm Carol Service at St Lythans
Wednesday 14th December
7.00pm Community Carol Service at Wenvoe.
Mince pies and mulled wine in Church Hall after the service.
Saturday 24th December – Christmas Eve
5.00pm “All Ages Christmas Service” at Wenvoe
7.00pm Christmas Eve Sung Eucharist at Wenvoe
Sunday 25th December – Christmas Day
9.30am Said Eucharist with Carols at St Lythans
Come young, Come old. All are welcome to attend the celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Magazine Covers
November Letters
I would like to thank all who came to the funeral service of June. The support was magnificent and much appreciated at this time of my loss of June. My thanks to the vicar who took the service and to the church members who organised the details of the church and decorations etc. Everyone without exception agreed that the ceremony was full of love. June, a local girl was truly very well thought of by the village and beyond. So again many thanks to the Villers, friends and family support.
Roger Davis
I was slightly amused to see the letters of outrage by those who objected to the article by Andrew Davies MS in the September edition of WWO. Some years ago, I was helping the WWO team by supplying front-cover articles and I asked our local Member of the Senedd – Jane Hutt to write for us. I must confess to being a Conservative ( a little tricky sitting here the day after the Chancellor was sacked and Liz Truss under great pressure!) but I felt that it was appropriate to have our local Assembly / Senedd representative have her say. The fact that Jane is a Labour party member did not matter. There were some who objected at that time. So, in the end, it could be said that we are square with both parties having had space in our splendid magazine.
Alun Davies DL
October Meeting
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Watch Co-ordinators met on 12 October and items from their meeting and from wider Watch groups, included the following.
When to ring the Police – 999 is for urgent calls. The Police prefer to hear from you when the incident is actually happening. Call if you see something suspicious, for example excessive domestic arguing, disturbance (such as a party or gathering) at unsocial hours (use 101 for daytime), suspicious activity day or night. If it is happening now the Police can investigate and speak to those involved; the call will also be logged.
101 is for non-urgent items such as those where damage has already been done. Crimes can also be reported online. Just Google “Report South Wales Police” where you will see various options. Choose the appropriate one and complete the questionnaire before submitting. Facebook also has a South Wales Police site where crimes can be submitted.
Scams – We make no apology for again warning residents against scammers. A current scam relates to the government energy bill discount scheme where a fake text purports to be from the UK government and contains a link which is false. Remember, you do not need to apply for the £400 discount, it will be applied automatically from October 2022.
Operation SNAP – Operation SNAP is a police response to increasing submissions of video and photographic evidence relating to driving offences that members of the public have witnessed. Until now, these reports have been submitted to the police in all sorts of ways and so a streamlined process has now been developed to deal with them. The police hope this will make it easier for all involved. Enter “gosafesnap.wales” into Google for more information.
Local items – Two members attended the AGM of the Vale of Glamorgan Watch and reported that the police are placing more emphasis on educating offenders rather than arresting them and that the police want to recruit more members of the ethnic minority groups into the force.
A report was received of bulk rubbish being dumped in the lanes near Wenvoe quarry. This is an ongoing problem which seems impossible to solve. The Vale council will remove rubbish on public land but that on private land is the responsibility of the landowner.
Alan French